be

¶ Now in the first yeere of Cyrus King of Persia, (that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Ieremiah, might be fulfilled) y e LORD stirred vp the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdome, and put it also in writing, saying;

1611 marginal noteHeb. caused a voice to passe.

1611 marginal note2.Chron. 36.22. iere. 25.12. and 29.10.

Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him goe vp to Ierusalem, which is in Iudah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is the God) which is in Ierusalem.

Be it knowen vnto the king, that the Iewes which came vp from thee to vs, are come vnto Ierusalem, building the rebellious and the bad citie, and haue set vp the walles thereof, and ioyned the foundations.

1611 marginal noteOr, finished

1611 marginal noteChal. sowed together.

Be it knowen now vnto the king, that if this city be builded, and the wals set vp againe, then will they not pay tolle, tribute, and custome, and so thou shalt endammage the reuenue of the kings.

1611 marginal noteChal. giue.

1611 marginal noteOr, strength.

That search may be made in the booke of the Records of thy fathers: so shalt thou finde in the booke of the Records, and know, that this City is a rebellious city, and hurtfull vnto Kings and prouinces, and that they haue moued sedition within the same of olde time: for which cause was this citie destroyed.

1611 marginal noteCald. made.

1611 marginal noteChald. in the midst thereof.

We certifie the king, that if this citie be builded againe, & the walles thereof set vp: by this meanes, thou shalt haue no portion on this side the Riuer.

Giue ye now commandement, to cause these men to cease, and that this citie be not builded, vntill another commandement shall be giuen from me.

1611 marginal noteChal. make a decree.

Be it knowen vnto the king, that we went into the prouince of Iudea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, & timber is laied in the wals, and this worke goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

1611 marginal noteChald. stones of roling.

And said vnto him, Take these vessels, goe, carie them into the temple that is in Ierusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.

Now therefore, if it seeme good to the king, let there be search made in the kings treasure house which is there at Babylon, whether it be so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king, to build this house of God at Ierusalem: and let the king send his pleasure to vs concerning this matter.